Prof. Yemi D. Ogunyemi
“Prof. Yemi D. Ogunyemi, also known as Yemi D. Prince, is a luminous distinguished literary philosopher. His canon of over 70 titles includes fiction, nonfiction, plays, poetry and children’s literature, likening the chiaroscuro found in them to the canons of good taste. He specializes in Yoruba Philosophy and religion, cognate with literature, making use of DIY–Humanities. (DIY–Humanities–a passion for creativity, innovation, discovery and a desire to learn independently.”
Literary Journey
Professor Yemi D. Ogunyemi stands as one of the most distinguished voices in contemporary Yoruba literary philosophy. Born in Nigeria, he has dedicated his life to exploring the profound depths of Yoruba philosophy, Yoruba literary traditions, and their intersection with global intellectual discourse.
His academic journey has taken him from the cultural heartlands of Nigeria to the prestigious halls of Harvard University, where he served as a research fellow. This unique positioning has allowed him to bridge indigenous Yoruba knowledge systems with international academic excellence, creating a distinctive voice in literary and philosophical circles.
Prof. Ogunyemi’s work encompasses an extraordinary range of literary forms—from scholarly monographs and philosophical treatises to poetry, drama, and children’s literature. His ability to traverse these diverse mediums while maintaining scholarly rigor has established him as a truly eclectic post-colonial wordsmith.
Key Achievements
Golden Trophy Winner
Literary Excellence Recognition
Harvard Research Fellow
W.E.B. DuBois Institute
Institute Director
Creative Writing, Vienna
40+ Publications
Across Multiple Genres
Academic Positions
Vice Chancellor
Nelson Mandela University (2015-present)
Associate Professor
Liberty University (1993-1994)
Online Faculty
American Trinity University
Director
Institute of Creative Writing (1983-1993)
By the same Author
Novels
The Melodrama of the Last
My Gazar With My Geisha
The Enchantress of Triple A
Modicums of O
Make Me Your Own
Twice Anagram
The Myths of the Coffee Boys
The Dreams of Joy
The Sweet Mother
The Last Cowrie Queen
The Literary Philosophy for Speculative and Romantic Dreams of Happiness
Novelettes/Novellas
The Oyo Empire
My Sworn Friends
The Demise of a Would-be Title-Holder
Pursuit of Wisdom (Sub-Title: A Divine Story that Never Ends)
Short Stories
The Yellow House
Follow Me
Aduke is a Singer, Mama
Okobaba and the Nine Angels
Tortoise, the Storyteller
Waiting for the Dry Season
Vendetta
A Divine Story that Never Ends
The Floating Bungalow
How Honey Came to the World
How Cowries Came to the World
How Leke Rescued Keke How a Comedienne Became a Fishwife
The Heroic Rescue of a Stranded Conjurer
Poetry
The Anthologies of the Diaspora
The Covenant of the Earth
The African Soul
The New Talking Drum
M-A-S-T-A-M-A-N-D-A
Sued for Paternity
Codes of Morality
The New Talking Drum
The Danger of a Single Rejection
Quid Pro Quo and Other Narratives
The World, in a Fume of Pandemic Anxiety
How to Erase Racism from the Minds of Humanity
The Undemocratic and Racist Amalgamation
Lyric-Boston, a City of Sisterly Love
Lagos, a City of Sisterly and Brotherly Love
Jumping Gaps of Prejudices and Racisms and the Benevolences of Robin Hood
Verism, Crowns, Man and the Rule of Fairies
Children’s Stories
The Source of River Koku
How Dogs Become Friends of Men
Why Mother Vulture Lost Her Neck Feathers
Tortoise, the Wisest Creature
January—December Lyrics
Why Giraffes Have Long Necks
A Hut Never Hurts
Why a Cock Cannot Crow
The Belling of the Wild Cat
Why Catty-Coo Chases Mousy-Loo
Jumbo and Piggy
Butti and Moti
How Zebras Got Their Whites and Black Stripes
My First Dream
How Tortoise Survived the Famine in Ogba
The Muddy Glade
Why Daddy Was Called Ho, Ho, Ho
How Lulu Became a Swimmer
Childre's Stories
The Missing Child
How Kemi and Layo Started Schooling
The Postman and His Son
Tortoise, My Friend
Why Grasshoppers Hop
The House an Elephant Built
A Day with a Hunter
My Daddy’s Sweet Potatoes
How Hoody and Hoofy Became Soccer Players
How the Lion Became the King of the Beasts
Why & How the Elephant Got His Huge Ears
The Ostrich and the Boomerang
Talk to me, I am Listening, O Angel
The Bee that Keeps her Promise
Why Jako Shoots without Missing
My Neighbor’s Diary
Long Live the Queen
Mama, Let Me Be Me
Actualities
Literatures of the African Diaspora
Yoruba Idealism
Introduction to Yoruba Philosophy, Religion and Literature
Yoruba Philosophy and the Seeds of Enlightenment
The Oral Traditions in Ile-Ife
The Birth of a Child in a Fishing Boat
The Aesthetic and Moral Art of Wole Soyinka
Path to Ifetherapy and Its Healing Poems
The Literary/Political Philosophy of Wole Soyinka
Women in Europe
Media in Africa
Study of Yoruba Civilization and Importance of Philosophy
The Political Ideas for Peace & Development in Nigeria
My Contact with Africans and Africa (Editor)
The Writers and Politics
The Birth of a Yoruba Nation
Myths and Weave, the Literary and Artistic Movement
Reflecting Upon Literary Criticism—Oral and Written
Beloved, Be Great Again
Drama
Three Plays
Obama, the Pragmatic President
Subtitle: The Ankh of Progress)
King Oduduwa Comes to Americas and Europe
From the Vaudeville to the Fringe Theatre
Children's Stories
The Song of a River
How the Hen Made the Cock a Happy Crower
Why Bullying is Not Good
The Bald Valley Village
Mom, It Is An Improper Overtaking
How Maria and Bobby Became Friends
When the Children Are Difficult To Teach
How Honey Came To The World
How Cowries Came to the World
Crowns of Arts in the Calm Strength of Knowledge and Narrative
How Leke Rescued Keke
A Literary Philosopher's
Journey
Prof. Yemi D. Ogunyemi stands as a luminous figure in contemporary literary philosophy, weaving together the rich traditions of Yoruba thought with modern intellectual discourse. His profound exploration of Yoruba philosophical traditions has earned international recognition and academic acclaim.
From his groundbreaking work on Yoruba idealism to his critical analysis of Wole Soyinka’s literary and political philosophy, Prof. Ogunyemi continues to illuminate pathways between ancient wisdom and contemporary understanding.
Explore the Complete Literary Legacy
Discover the full breadth of Prof. Ogunyemi’s intellectual contributions through his comprehensive bibliography of philosophical works, literary criticism, and creative expressions.
Prof. Yemi D. Ogunyemi
Literary Philosophy
Distinguished literary philosopher, Harvard research fellow, and award-winning author of over 40 literary works exploring Yoruba philosophy, Yoruba traditions, and contemporary literature.
Featured Works
- Yoruba Philosophy
- The Oral Traditions in Ile-Ife
- Literary/Political Philosophy
- The Book of Enlightenment